Adventure Consultants Everest Expedition

MOUNT EVEREST EXPEDITION TRIP NOTES

2027 EXPEDITION DETAILS

Dates: April 9 to May 30, 2027

Duration: 52 days

Departure: ex Kathmandu, Nepal

Price: US$83,000 per person

During the spring season of 2027, Adventure Consultants will operate its 31st expedition to Mount Everest via the South Col from Nepal.

This expedition brings together our 30+ years on Everest with our qualified and experienced guides and Sherpa crew to offer the most seasoned team on the mountain. We provide the highest guide-to-client ratio with the best equipment, food and Base Camp support of any expedition operator.

If you have a desire to stand on the highest summit in the world, Adventure Consultants can provide you with an excellent chance of achieving that goal. We believe the ascent should be made in the best style possible, a philosophy that has seen us help our expedition members achieve many successful ascents and given us the best reputation in high altitude expedition guiding.

THE AC EVEREST TEAM

LOGISTICS

The 2027 expedition is being organised by Guy Cotter, CEO of Adventure Consultants and a veteran of over 30 years of Everest expedition guiding and organisation. With technology constantly evolving, Adventure

Consultants have kept abreast of all the new techniques and equipment advancements—encompassing the latest in weather forecasting facilities, equipment innovations and communications systems. Everest is not the place to be with an organisation that is ‘learning the ropes’, there is too much at stake for that. Adventure Consultants expedition staff, along with the operations and logistics team at the head office in New Zealand, provide the highest level of backup and support to the climbing team to maximise your chances of success.

This is coupled with a very strong expedition guiding team and Sherpa contingent, who as you will come to see are second-to-none in the industry.

EXPEDITION GUIDING TEAM

Our international guiding staff are the best in the industry. You will find the Adventure Consultants Mountain Guides companionable and strong expedition leaders with considerable abilities and a willingness to see you achieve your goals. The number of guides is

determined by the team size but the normal ratio of guides to members is 1:4.

Rob Smith

Rob Smith has been guiding since 2000. He divides his time guiding between the Antarctic summer seasons and the greater ranges of the Himalaya. Originally from Omagh, Northern Ireland, Rob is now based in Fort William, Scotland. He has guided for Adventure Consultants for many years and his notable guided ascents include Everest, Vinson Massif, Cho Oyu, Carstensz and Elbrus amongst many others. Rob has summited Everest 10 times and has climbed both the North and South routes.

Ang Dorjee Sherpa

Summiting Everest initially with us in 1992, Ang Dorjee has moved on to achieve 30 ascents of 8,000m peaks, including Everest 25 times! His skills as a climber are legendary. Ang Dorjee is originally from Pangboche

Village in the Khumbu Valley of Nepal, but he now lives in the USA. He guides on Mount Rainier and he regularly guides expeditions for Adventure Consultants including Everest, Aconcagua, Peak Lenin and Kilimanjaro.

JB Chandesris

JB has been climbing and skiing his whole life and took the natural progression to guiding when he was 21. Initially JB worked mainly in the French Alps, before joining the AC team in New Zealand where he spent a number of summers and more recently in the Himalaya and Antarctica. JB’s notable ascents include Everest, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) without oxygen, Aconcagua and Mount Vinson.

SHERPA TEAM

Our Sherpa team has dozens of Everest summits between them. Da Jangbu Sherpa is the Expedition and Climbing Sirdar who has summited Everest an impressive 13 times and brings with him considerable knowledge and experience. Because of his leadership, we have a strong group of Climbing Sherpas who operate in a harmonious atmosphere of cooperation and commitment to the expedition and its members.

Our group of Climbing Sherpas is enthusiastic, motivated and regarded as the strongest and most cohesive group of Sherpas on Mount Everest. It is indicative of the reputation that our Sherpa team has earned that Sherpas from other expeditions enthusiastically pursue a future position with the AC team.

Our cooking staff are very well known for the quality of the cuisine they produce and are coveted by other team leaders due to the reputation they have established. We have been developing the personnel within our Sherpa team for 30 years and they are an integral part of the Adventure Consultants Everest Team.

WHAT IT TAKES TO CLIMB MOUNT EVEREST

The South Col route on Mount Everest is not an especially technically difficult climb—nor is it the ‘Yak Route’ some non-Everest climbers have termed it. However, it is imperative that expedition members are well versed in the latest techniques and have experience in the high mountain environment.

What the photographs do not show are the difficulties of operating at these extreme altitudes. It is a physically demanding ascent, requiring enormous determination and stamina. An expedition to Everest is not a place for those who will give up when the going gets uncomfortable or strenuous. Days can be up to 15 hours long and although we have lightened the loads you personally carry by having enough Sherpa support to carry your equipment, the days are still arduous and taxing, especially over the 7–8 weeks of the expedition.

The outcome of the expedition will be determined by three broad groups of factors. The first is environmental (weather and snow conditions, etc.). The second is the logistical approach taken by the expedition leaders and the strategies employed to embark on a summit bid. The third is your own preparation in the years prior to the expedition and how you perform whilst the expedition is under way. We can help design a training programme that will both physically and mentally prepare you for the climb, but you need to commit the time and energy to ensure you attain the correct conditioning.

We know that the success of an expedition is determined by factors that are planned well in advance of the outset of the actual climbing. During our 30 previous seasons on Mount Everest, we have observed

many other groups attempting to climb the mountain. Many try to emulate our strategies without committing to the level of resources that we provide.

Every step of the way, our head office staff will be there to answer your questions. If they can’t, they will be happy to put you in touch with one of our Senior International Guides who will have first-hand knowledge of the climb.

We recognise that no amount of finely tuned organisation will guarantee anyone the summit of Mount Everest. However, we do believe that our experience, combined with your enthusiasm and determination, will provide you with the best possible chance of standing on top of the world. Our track record on Everest is unmatched with 419 summits to date!

HOW DO I CHOOSE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS EXPEDITION PROVIDERS?

We want climbers who share our approach—to reach the summit in good style, with the highest level of support and safety possible. We limit our team to 8 climbers and we’re selective about who we accept. Our focus is to build a team of like-minded climbers who have the experience to be there and who you’d want to spend 7 weeks on a mountain with—often forming lifelong friendships. You’ll be backed by qualified and experienced guides and a Sherpa team regarded as the strongest on the mountain. The food and equipment are the best we can provide, from Base Camp to the summit.

So what’s different about us? Our clients put it better than we can:

“I’ve consistently gone with AC for all my highaltitude trips. While some clients may value an espresso machine, I value safety, experience and a good time. That latte won’t get you to the top, but our Sherpa team had over 110 summits—I don’t know of another company that has that experience, nor can consistently get all their Sherpas back year after year.” Neil Long

“I cannot recommend AC enough when it comes to the big mountains. I successfully climbed Everest with them and I wouldn’t have wanted to climb with anyone else. World class guides who always have safety at the top of their priority list, but are also great fun to be around. All the logistics went smoothly and the office team were really helpful and great to deal with. The food and accommodation provided were fab which makes all the difference during a long expedition. For a big company you feel like you get a very personal experience and I doubt anyone has been providing this amazing service for as long as these guys have!” Lisa Jelly

WHICH ROUTE? NORTH OR SOUTH?

The South Col route from Nepal offers the best chance of success for most climbers. We encourage you to research details about both sides of the mountain. People will argue the virtues of either of the two approaches. However, we maintain that the ‘entire package’ of the Nepal side makes it the preferred option: the delightful approach through the Sherpa homelands via the Khumbu Valley, enjoying Sherpa hospitality in modern lodges with good food and all

the while, being impressed by the spectacular scenery of the incredible peaks of the lower Khumbu.

The Khumbu Icefall has a fearsome reputation and it is indeed a phenomenal route to climb. Yet it is an integral characteristic of the South side that it is a ‘Climbers Route’ that requires a mountaineer to be well skilled in the use of crampons and an ice axe. The Western Cwm is renowned for its phenomenal views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Cho Oyu, and our Camp 2 is situated directly beneath the imposing black hulk of the notorious Southwest Face. As one climbs higher up the route to South Col, the views become even more outstanding with incredible vistas along the Himalayan chain and out towards the lowlands of Nepal.

We ascend 900m/3,000ft from the South Col on summit day via moderate snow slopes with the occasional rock step to climb over. As we approach the South Summit, the dawn breaks to reveal astounding views from Kanchenjunga in the East to Shishapangma off to the West, with all the peaks of the Khumbu well below us.

The traverse along the summit ridge is exposed and exciting. When we make our way up the Hillary Step, we can look 2,400m/7,900ft straight down onto our Camp 2 in the Western Cwm and 3,000m/9,800ft down the

opposite side of the ridge into Tibet! The summit itself provides ample space for the obligatory summit photo and is a time to reflect on the journey thus far. For many, it is one of the most poignant moments of a lifetime.

After the summit we descend via the same route, losing height quickly and generally we arrive back at the South Col some 3–4 hours after leaving the summit. On the north side, climbers must do a long traverse and it is this feature where climbers cannot lose elevation quickly that can cause the demise of tired climbers, especially those who have run out of oxygen.

We only climb on Everest during the spring season because the weather becomes progressively warmer and the days longer. Winter winds have already scoured away much of the snow, which significantly reduces the snow avalanche hazard as well. Contrast this with the autumn; typically, as the expedition goes on, the days get shorter and colder with more snowfall. Consequently, very few expeditions are undertaken in the fall and those that do have quite a low percentage chance of success.

ACCLIMATISATION & CLIMBING STRATEGY

By the time you first arrive at Base Camp, a route will already be established with ropes and ladders through to Camp 1. Our strong Sherpa team will be busily involved in ferrying loads of equipment up the mountain. After a few days acclimatisation and training at Base Camp, descend down valley, where we will spend our first rotation acclimatising and sleeping high on Lobuche East (6,119m/20,075ft).

This ascent gives solid acclimatisation to 6,000m and means fewer trips through the Khumbu Icefall. After summiting Lobuche East you’ll return to Everest Base Camp.

After a few days rest you will climb through the icefall to Camp 1 and rest there for a day. The following day you will continue up the mellower slopes of the Western Cwm to Camp 2 to rest and acclimatise for several more days. A day-climb up the Lhotse Face tagging Camp 3 will complete this first foray before returning to Base Camp for a rest period. During this time, the Sherpa team will be establishing the higher camps and stocking these with bottled oxygen for the summit climb.

In a perfect scenario, weather and health would remain constant and our acclimatisation would take around 3 weeks. In reality, factors such as weather can add several days to the acclimatisation process.

The most likely time for our summit climb will be 15–25 May. Our previous summit dates have been:

10 May 1990 19 May 2009

12 May 1992

22 May 2010

10 May 1993 11,13,19 May 2011

09 May 1994 19,25 May 2012

10 May 1996 19,20,21 May 2013

23 May 1997 19,20 May 2016

15 May 2000 21,22,27 May 2017

16 May 2002 16,19 May 2018

18 May 2003 23 May 2019

27 May 2004 23 May 2023

19 May 2006 23 May 2024

21 May 2007 18,24 May 2025

24 May 2008 21 May 2026

We will climb through the established camps with lightweight packs and climb to Camp 4 on the South Col. All climbers will be sleeping on bottled oxygen before setting out for the summit, carrying only very lightweight oxygen bottles and using Summit oxygen masks. Sherpas and Western guides will accompany all members during the summit climb.

PREREQUISITE EXPERIENCE

There is no definite measure for assessing the required skill level to climb Mount Everest, so we do like to discuss this on an individual basis. However, there are some broad guidelines that can be applied from the outset.

A successful team member will have been visiting the mountains for at least five seasons and made ascents of peaks up to 5,500–6,000m/18–20,000ft. It is quite common for members to have previously climbed Denali in Alaska, Aconcagua in South America and various Mexican volcanoes as training for Everest.

They will be familiar with crevasse rescue and glacier travel techniques and have a good overall standard of fitness. There will ideally be a broad set of climbing skills from basic rock climbing to advanced cramponing on snow and ice, and strong rope skills such as rappelling and rope ascending.

Age itself is no barrier. To date, we have succeeded on Mount Everest with members aged from 20 to 66 years of age. A fierce determination and a burning desire to climb the mountain are essential prerequisites for this expedition. The guides and other expedition staff will provide the leadership, tactics and overall decisionmaking required during the climb, but you will still have to physically put one foot in front of the other to make it to the top and back.

We recommend that prospective members undertake another expedition with us before attempting Mount Everest. Your ability to reach Everest’s summit may be dictated by your understanding of how your body responds to very high altitude and ascending other less demanding peaks at high altitude will increase your confidence and enhance your judgement during summit day on Everest. For example, Cho Oyu from Tibet is an excellent venue to learn about the problems of extreme high altitude, without the time or financial commitment that Everest requires.

TEAM SIZE

The team will have a maximum size of 2 guides and 8 members across both the Classic and Fast Track expeditions.

The Base Camp will be staffed by a medical doctor, Base Camp manager and Sherpa kitchen crew, usually totalling 7–10 people depending on group size.

A team of between eight and fifteen Climbing Sherpa will carry loads and support the summit climb. Adventure Consultants have a ratio of at least one Sherpa for each team member or guide per person on summit day.

Sherpa cooks will occupy Camp 2 in the Western Cwm for the duration of the expedition. Their role is not only to provide us with tasty meals but also to maintain the integrity of Camp 2 during inclement weather. Often our assistant cook will trek down to meet us en route from Camp 1 with tea or juice!

ITINERARY

Following is an ideal itinerary for our Everest Expedition:

9 April Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal

10 April Kathmandu preparations

11 April Fly to Lukla

12–20 April Trek to Base Camp

OXYGEN

AC provides a high flow oxygen package for all team members included in the expedition fee.

On the summit push, you will climb on bottled oxygen from Camp 2, up the Lhotse Face to Camp 3, the South Col, and the summit.

Please arrive into Kathmandu by mid-afternoon of April 9 as we have our first team briefing that evening. Our permit for climbing Mount Everest allows us to stay on the mountain into June. We strongly suggest that you keep your homeward flight open dated and flexible so that we can extend into the latter part of May for a summit attempt if need be. We have May 30 as the probable finish date for departing from Kathmandu.

Many have found this critical to their success on Everest and we have seen our summit rate increase dramatically with its use. The response from our team members has also been very positive. Climbers have reported having better energy levels, a better appetite, more warmth, a higher degree of strength and greater enjoyment on summit day.

We also ensure we have enough oxygen to wait a day at the South Col and Camp 4, before attempting the summit. Our experiences show that for those who really want to maximise their chance of success, then these high oxygen flow rates allow the best option for ensuring you only need to attempt Mount Everest one time!

FAST TRACK

We are also able to offer a ‘Fast Track’ programme for climbers who wish to maximise their time and are able to pre-acclimatise prior to arriving in Nepal with a system such as Hypoxico.

Under this programme you will fly directly from Kathmandu to Pheriche, before trekking to Everest Base Camp, where we will join the main team for their second acclimatisation rotation tagging Camp 3 on Everest.

The perfect option for those on a limited timeframe, please see our webpage at https:// adventureconsultants.com/expeditions/seven-summits/ everest-fast-track for further details.

OTHER SERVICES

Your personal equipment is carried on the mountain by our Sherpa team, so you climb with a lightweight pack. This is included in the expedition price and makes a real difference to your energy levels, particularly on the long climb to the South Col.

We also offer Privately Guided Expeditions where you have the services of a top AC International Guide, as well as your own Sherpa support team to work exclusively with you on the expedition to ensure your needs are best met. AC has been fortunate to work

with many privately guided groups over the years with exceptional results.

You may also like to talk to us about other options such as personal communication systems, helicopter upgrade or the provision of a personal tent on the mountain.

For more information on these additional services, please contact our office for details.

YOUR HEALTH

AC provides a dedicated doctor at Base Camp for the whole team as standard. Most other teams use a generic medical provider, whilst our doctor is there primarily for you and your team mates. The doctor will monitor your overall health throughout the expedition and our medical equipment and provisions are there to provide for your health care needs.

Ample resources will be on call to support every climber, not just the first team or fittest members. Remember, this is an expedition led by guides who have already climbed Everest and whose job it is to look after your interests.

Your Guides are trained in high-altitude medical techniques and experienced in the decision-making required when conditions change. With a maximum of 8 climbers on our team, every member receives the attention and support they need throughout the expedition.

COMMUNICATIONS

The expedition will be equipped with portable Thuraya satellite phone systems for the duration of the expedition in order to provide reliable email and voice communication globally for business, media or personal use. Limited satellite phone time can be purchased at the rate of US$3.00 per minute. Our broadband satellite Wi-Fi connectivity will be available once the expedition is underway and is included in the expedition fee on the basis of a fair use policy. Please contact our office for details.

EQUIPMENT & PRE-TRIP SUPPORT

We provide comprehensive pre-trip support once you book onto our expedition. You will be assigned an Expedition Liaison to assist with your pre-trip planning and we provide access to our travel app where you will find an array of extensive travel advice, from visa details to insurance and training tips.

A detailed equipment list will also be provided along with notes and recommendations on the best gear to purchase. Our equipment specialists are on-hand to assist with your equipment related questions.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION & INSURANCE

Expedition members will be provided with a medical questionnaire by the expedition doctor and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition doctor and Expedition Leader and treated with full confidentiality. Advice on immunisations will be provided at this time. We also require members to have rescue insurance and we will consult with individual team members as to your insurance needs and solutions for coverage.

THE EXPEDITION FEE

The cost of the expedition, ex Kathmandu, is US$83,000.

This is an inclusive cost and covers the following:

• 1:4 International Guide ratio and 1:1 Sherpa to climber ratio on summit day

• High flow oxygen from Camp 2 on summit push

• Personal equipment carried on the mountain

• Nepalese government royalty fees

• All expedition organisational requirements

• All climbing and trekking permits

• Helicopter air transport within Nepal

• All team equipment

• All expedition staff including Sherpa support

• All food whilst away from Kathmandu

• All supplies necessary to make a safe and strong bid for the summit

• Medical services from our Expedition Doctor

• Base Camp Wi-Fi (fair-use policy applies) and satellite phone facilities

• Internet dispatch page that is updated daily by guides and Base Camp staff, and semi-hourly on summit day

• dZi Foundation support for their “revitalize a village” programme—likely to include support for a Nepalese child’s education for a year.

The expedition fee does not include the following:

• Air travel to and from Nepal

• Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu

• Nepalese airport entry visas

• Extras on the trek in/out such bottled drinks, showers and laundry

• Personal clothing and equipment

• Personal Insurance/Trip Cancellation Insurance/ Medical Evacuation Insurance

• Actual satellite phone calls

• Gratuities for guides and Sherpa staff.

PAYMENT DETAILS

All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:

Bank of New Zealand

Offshore Branch 42 Willis Street Spark Central Wellington, New Zealand

For the account of Adventure Consultants Limited.

Account Number: 1000-594771-0000

Account Type: US Dollars

Swift Address: BKNZNZ22

NOTE: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter’s account.

We can also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard and Amex) plus a 3% card charge.

DEPOSIT

A non-refundable deposit of US$15,000 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.

BALANCE

The balance of US$68,000 is payable in two instalments of US$34,000.

The first on 20 October 2026 and the second on 20 January 2027.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

An expedition member may cancel their participation on the following basis:

a) Prior to 20 January 2027, then on the basis of a 50% refund of the 20 October 2026 balance payment.

b) After 20 January 2027 but before departure to the mountain from Kathmandu then on the basis of no refund of any monies paid.

We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.

HOW TO JOIN THIS EXPEDITION

If you would like to join the Everest Expedition, please complete our online booking form and forward your deposit payment at https:// adventureconsultants.com/expeditions/seven-summits/ everest#DepartureBookingBlock

CONTACT US

If you require more information or assistance planning your trip, please contact us at:

Adventure Consultants Ltd

5/12 Frederick Street PO Box 739 Wanaka, 9343 New Zealand

Phone: +64 3 443 8711

Email: info@adventure.co.nz

Website: www.adventureconsultants.com

Adventure Consultants is affiliated to the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA), New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) and a corporate member of the American Alpine Club (AAC). Adventure Consultants is a supporter of the dZi Foundation in Nepal for their ‘Revitalise a Village’ programmes.

Adventure Consultants perform to IFMGA/UIAGM standards and are world leaders in high altitude guiding.